Electron beam focusing system



July 22, 1958 P. P. CIOFFI ELECTRON BEAM FOCUSING SYSTEM 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 29 1953 lNI/ENTOR 1 I? C/OFF/ By ATTORNEY July 22, 1958 P. P. CIOFFI ELECTRON BEAM FOCUSING SYSTEM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 29. 1953 /NVENTOR R 1 C/OFF/ B ATTORNEY {and ELECTRON BEAM FOCUSING SYSTEM Paul P. Ciolfi, Summit, N. J., assignor to Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application April 29, 1953, Serial No. 351,977

17 Claims. (Cl. 315-35) This invention relates to systems for focusing streams of charged particles, and more particularly, systems for magnetically focusing electron beams over relatively long paths as are characteristic of traveling wave tubes in which an electron beam is made to flow closely past an interaction wave transmission circuit a plurality of operating wavelengths long.

In a copending application, Serial No. 351,983, filed April 29, 1953, by J. R. Pierce, there is analyzed the problem of focusing electron beams in which space charge forces are significant over a relatively long path and there are set forth the advantages for this purpose of utilizing along the path of flow a succession of regions of axially symmetric longitudinal magnetic field regions, characterized in that the direction of the magnetic field reverses along successive regions. The resulting composite field distribution comprising such a succession of magnetic field regions is generally referred to as a spatially alternating magnetic field. The present invention relates in one aspect to improved arrangements for achieving such a succession of magnetic field regions.

In applying the principles set forth by Pierce to the problem of overcoming the space charge forces for focusing an electron beam in a traveling wave tube, it is often found desirable to have a high and uniform periodicity for the successive field regions and also to have the length of the successive field regions relatively short. It may often be onerous or inefiicient to meet these requirements by a simple succession of permanent magnets along the beam path.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved permanent magnet system for achieving a regular succession of axially symmetric longitudinal magnetic field regions of uniform magnetic strength, in which the direction of the magnetic field reverses with successive regions.

A related object of the invention is to facilitate the application to traveling wave tubes of the focusing principles set forth in the above-identified Pierce application.

A further object is to obtain, with a minimum number of magnets, along the path of electron flow in a traveling wave tube a succession of regions of axially symmetric longitudinal magnetic field, the direction of the field reversing with successive regions.

In accordance with one feature of the present invention, apparatus for focusing an electron stream along a predetermined path between an electron gun and target comprises first magnetic means for forming a uniform longitudinal magnetic field parallel to the path along an initial portion of its length, and second magnetic means for forming a spatially alternating magnetic field extending along the major portion of the remainder of the electron path, and includes provision for providing between the uniform field region and the spatially alternating field a transition region.

In accordance with a second feature of the invention, a permanent magnet structure for forming a spatially alter- States Patent 2,844,754 Patented July 22, 1958 nating magnetic field is disposed along the path of flow to have a magnetic axis transverse to the path of electron fiow and a succession of pole pieces is arranged along the path of flow in two interleaved sets, the two sets being in magnetic contact with unlike pole faces of the permanent magnet structure whereby successive pole pieces are oppositely poled.

In accordance with another feature of the invention, means are provided for minimizing the axial deviation of the magnetic flux existing in the regions between successive pole pieces.

In an illustrative specific arrangement embodying the distinct features of the invention, there is employed a quadrupole magnetic structure in conjunction with two interleaved and intersecting sets of spaced pole pieces. Each set of pole pieces comprises a linear array of magnetic elements spaced along the path of flow, each element being apertured for passage therethrough the electron How, and each set of elements extending between a different pair of like poles of the quadrupole structure. Accordingly, successive pole pieces are oppositely poled and there is set up in the gaps between successive pole pieces regions of axially symmetric longitudinal magnetic field, the direction of the longitudinal field reversing with successive regions. A flux guide surrounds the path of electron flow in magnetic contact wtih successive pole pieces for keeping the magnetic flux in the regions between successive pole pieces in axial alignment. 7

Such an arrangement for achieving a spatially alternating field permits the convenient realization of as many field regions as desired with a high periodicity. It also makes possible a high degree of axial symmetry in each region together wtih a high degree of uniformity in the spacing, length, and field intensity of the succession of regions.

The invention will be better understood from the following more detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a focusing system which is an illustrative embodiment of the invention being used in conjunction with a traveling wave tube, taken along the tube axis;

' Fig. 2 shows a transverse sectional view taken along lines 2-2 of the arrangement shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows a plot with distance along the tube axis of the magnetic field strength acting on the electron beam flowing along the tubes axis;

Fig. 4 shows a transverse sectional view of a modification of the focusing system shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

It will be convenient, by way of example for purposes of illustration, to describe the invention with particular reference to a traveling wave tube of the kind disclosed in United States Patent 2,575,383 which issued to L. M. Field on November 20, 1951. However, it appears desirable to include no more of the description of this tube than is pertinent to the present invention. With reference now to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the traveling wave tube 10 which is of the Field type, includes as portions of the tube glass envelope a bulbous end section 11 which houses the electron gun 11A and an elongated neck section 12 which contains the helix slow wave interaction circuit 12A and a collector electrode 12B in target relation with the electron gun for defining therebetween .a longitudinal path of electron flow along the tube axis. Input and output wave guide coupling connections 13 and 14 are provided which extend transverse to the axis of the traveling wave tube (perpendicular to the plane of the paper in the drawing of Fig. l) in energy exchange relation with the input and output ends of the helix wave interaction circuit.

As is analyzed in the above-identified Pierce applicanections a quadrupole permanent magnet structure comprising four permanent bar magnets 21, 22, 23 and 24 having their magnetic axes symmetrically disposed around' the tube axis and perpendicular thereto, diametrically opposite pairs of magnets having like poles proximate to the tube axis and adjacent pairs of magnets having unlike poles proximate to the tube axis in the manner shown in Fig. 2. An elongated jacket comprising four rectangular plates 25, 26, 27 and 28, of a magnetic material formed into a shell of rectangular cross section is in good magnetic contact with the four pole faces of permanent magnets 21, 22, 23' and 24 remote from the tube axis and serves as the yoke of the quadrupole magnet formed by the four magnets. The shell is advantageously extended beyond the ends of the permanent magnets along the entire length of the tube. In accordance with the invention, a regularly spaced succession of pole pieces 29 formed in two interleaved sets 29A and 29B extends along the path of flow in the region between the two wave guide coupling connections 13 and 14. Each pole piece 29 is a substantially identical rectangular parallelepiped extending between the like poles of a pair of diametrically opposite magnets; alternate pole pieces ex-' tend between the same pair of magnets and are aligned along the path of fiow; adjacent pole pieces extend between ditferent pairs of magnets and are oriented 90 with respect to one another. It is generally desirable for improved magnetic contact to position thin rectangular plates 21A, 22A, 23A, 24A fiush with the pole faces of permanent magnets 21, 22, 23 and 24, respectively, proximate to the path of electron flow and to have the successive pole pieces extend flush across opposing pairs of these plates. Each pole piece has a cylindrical hole 30 passing through its center and the successive holes are in axial alignment with the tube axis and the path of electron flow. Accordingly, since adjacent pole pieces are oppositely polarized, there is set up across the gaps 31 therebetween an axially symmetric longitudinal mag-t netic field region and the direction of this magnetic field region reverses with succeeding gaps. Accordingly, there is set up along the tube axis and the path of electron flow a succession of corresponding regions of axially symmetric longitudinal magnetic fields, the direction of the magnetic field reversing with successive regions. The principles of the present invention are applicable equally to the problem of focusing a solid or a hollow electron beam. In the case of the solid beam, the strength and periodicity of the magnetic field is adjusted in accordance with the principles set forth in the above-mentioned Pierce application while for the hollow beam, there are utilized the principles set forth in copending application Serial No. 351,874, filed April 29, 1953, by J. T. Mendel. In Fig. 3, there is plotted as the ordinate magnetic intensity with the distance along the path of flow as the abscissa. It can be seen that along. the portion of the beam path corresponding to that lying between the input I and output wave guide connections the magneticfield and axial symmetry of the longitudinal magnetic field regions between successive pole pieces by means of a flux guide 32 extending along the beam path between the input and output wave guide connections;

netic material, such as iron, which passes through the Such afiux guide comprises a thin-walled cylinder of a mag:

succession of pole piece holes in good magnetic contact with each pole piece and closely surrounds the envelope of tube 10. The walls of the cylinder 32 are made thin and the intensity of magnetization provided by the magnetic structure is adjusted such that the magnetic field in the space enclosed by the flux guide corresponds to the intensity required for operation in accordance with focusing principles set forth in the aforementioned Pierce application. The flux guide serves to reduce the effect possible arrangements is here described. Since the same expedients may be employed at the two guide connections 13 and 14, it seems convenient to limit the description to the case of'the input wave guide 13 but to designate corresponding elements at the two connections by the same reference numeral. It is first important that the input Wave guide connection be of a non-magnetic material, such as copper. A pair of U-shaped magnets 35 and 36 are disposed on opposite sides of the input wave guide connection, with like poles similarly oriented with respect to the direction of electron flow. Each of the permanent magnets 35 and 36 is in good magnetic contact with the corresponding one of rectangular plates 25 and 27 which are extensions of opposite sides of the rectangnlar shell enclosing the four bar magnets 21, 22, 23 and 24 and which here serve as fiux guides between the poles of the U-shaped magnets for achieving a substantially uniform field along the initial portion of the beam path corresponding to passage through the wave guide in accordance with the principles set forth in my aforementioned copending application. In particular, it is desirable to maintain along the greater. portion of the beam path extending across the wave guide connection a constant field of intensity substantially equivalent to the root mean square value of the periodically varying field, which subsequently rises in a transition region to the peak value before passing through zero at the beginning of a period of the periodically varying field, as is illustrated in Fig. 3. To this end, it is desirable to adjust in the axial direction the cross-sectional area of the plates 25 and 27 so that the magnetizing force at the resulting magnetization corresponds to the desired field on the axis. The principles applicable are set forth in my above-mentioned copending application. However, in order to achieve the desired rise in the field intensity in the transition region just before entering-the region of periodically varying field, the thicknesses of the plates are made a minimum at points 40 closer to the magnetic pole faces adjacent the region of periodically varying field. In this way there is achieved a peaking in the intensity of the magnetic field, as isillustrated in Fig. 3, to a value substantially that of the peak value'of the periodically varying field.

, ,Additionally, the bulbous envelope portion 12 is surrounded by an annular permeable member 41 which serves both as a magnetic shield for the electron gun, and as one of two pole pieces for establishing the longitudinal magnetic field across the wave guide portion of the electron beam. The permeable'plate' il serves as the oppositely poled pole-piece.

. For some applications, the requirements on the spatially periodically varying longitudinal magnetic field can be relaxed sufficiently to permit further simplification of the permanent magnet system shownin Figs. 1 and 2. In particular, it may bepossible to achieve the desired degree of axial symmetry with only a single pair of' permanent magnets disposed circumferentially about the path of beam flow. 7

With reference still to the arrangement shown in Fig. 2, it can be seen that it should be possible to eliminate two adjacent magnets with no more than some decrease in the intensity of the magnetic field between successive pole pieces and some deterioration in the axial symmetry of this field. The symmetry can be enhanced by rotating one of the two remaining bar magnets 90 around the tube axis to be diametrically opposite the other remaining bar magnet with unlike pole faces proximate the tube axis. Additionally, in such a case it would be desirable to shorten the pole pieces of each set to avoid contact with the pole face of the oppositely positioned bar magnet.

Fig. 4 shows the resulting arrangement. Diametrically oppositely disposed along the two axes there will be two bar magnets s1 and 62, with their magnetic axes perpendicular to the tube axis and having unlike poles proximate the tube axis. Two sets of pole pieces 63 and 64, each set extending from a pole face, of one magnet towards but not reaching the unlike pole face of the other magnet, are disposed in a linear array along the tube axis, each pole piece being apertured as before for passage therethrough of the electron flow. The two sets of pole pieces are interleaved to form an interdigital pattern whereby adjacent pole pieces are oppositely poled to provide a reversal in the direction of the longitudinal magnetic field extending between adjacent pole pieces. In other respects, this focusing arrangement resembles that shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Here too, it will usually be advantageous to employ a fiux guide 65 around the glass envelope of the tube in good magnetic contact with the successive pole pieces for increasing the straightness of the magnetic field between successive pole pieces. Moreover, the same expedients can be employed for focusing the electron beam during traversal of the input and output wave guide portions of the electron stream path.

It should 'be evident that various other modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the number of permanent bar magnets circumferentially disposed can be increased rather than decreased from that shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Additionally, it is consistent to employ in place of a pair of bar magnets a U-shaped magnet disposed so that its magnetic axis is transverse to the path of flow and its two unlike pole faces are each proximate to the path of flow. Additionally, it is possible to utilize the pole pieces to load a hollow wave guide and thereby provide a slow wave circuit in the manner described in a copending application Serial No. 351,983, filed April 29, 1953, by I. R. Pierce. This is especially true of the interdigital array of pole pieces of the structure shown in Fig. 4, since interdigital structures are now well known as slow wave circuits for traveling wave tube use.

What is claimed is:

1. In an electron discharge tube, an electron source and target within said tube defining a path of electron fiow be tween said source and target, first and second permanent magnets disposed around and extending longitudinally along the path of flow, the magnetic axis of each of said permanent magnets being substantially perpendicular to said path and the two magnets having unlike poles adjacent the path of flow, a succession of pole pieces spaced apart along the path of flow forming first and second interleaved sets of pole pieces, said first and second sets in magnetic contact with the first and second permanent magnets, respectively, and each of said sets extending transverse to the path of electron flow, where'by adjacent pole pieces are of unlike polarity along the path of electron flow, and flux guiding means surrounding the path of flow in magnetic contact with and extending between successive pole pieces for aligning the flux in the gap between said successive pole pieces.

2. In an electron beam system, means forming a path of electron flow, first and second permanent magnets extending longitudinally along the path of fiow, the magnetic axis of each of said permanent magnets being substantially perpendicular to said path and the two magnets having unlike poles adjacent the electron path, and a succession of longitudinally spaced pole pieces forming first and second interleaved sets of pole pieces, said first and second sets being aligned along the path of fiow and extending laterally in magnetic contact with the first and second permanent magnets, respectively, for forming a timeconstant spatially-alternating magnetic field along the path of electron flow.

3. In an electron beam system, means defining a path of electron flow, first and second permanent magnets extending longitudinally along the path of flow, the magnetic axis of each of said permanent magnets being substantially perpendicular to said path and the two magnets having unlike poles adjacent the electron path, and a succession of longitudinally spaced pole pieces each apertured for passage therethrough of the electron flow and forming first and second interleaved 'sets of pole pieces, said first and second sets being aligned along the path of flow and extending laterally in magnetic contact with first and second permanent magnets, respectively, for forming a time-constant spatially-alternating magnetic field along the path of electron fiow.

4. In an electron beam system, means forming a path of electron flow, a permanent magnet structure extending along the path of flow having a magnetic axis transverse to the path of fiow and a pair of longitudinally extending unlike pole faces adjacent the path of flow, and a plurality of longitudinally spaced pole pieces extending transversely and forming two interleaved sets of pole pieces, each set in magnetic contact with and extending from one of said unlike pole faces of the magnetic structure whereby suc cessive pole pieces are oppositely poled.

5. In an electron beam system, means forming an electron stream, a permanent magnet structure extending along the path of flow having a magnetic axis transverse to the path of tlow and a pair of longitudinally extending unlike pole faces adjacent said electron stream, a succession of pole pieces spaced apart along the path of electron fiow forming two interleaved sets of pole pieces, each of said pole pieces having an aperture and said apertures axially aligned for passage of the electron stream, each of said two sets being in magnetic contact with one of said unlike .pole faces of thepermanent magnet structure, and flux guiding means surrounding the electron stream in magnetic contact with and extending between successive pole pieces for aligning the tlux in the gaps between adjacent pole pieces.

6. In an electron beam system, means forming an electron stream, a permanent magnet structure comprising a plurality of bar magnets disposed longitudinally along the path of electron flow and having their magnetic axes transverse to the path of electron flow and first and second pairs of pole faces adjacent said electron stream, said first pair of opposite polarity to said second pair, a succession of laterally extending pole pieces spaced apart along the path of flow forming first and second interleaved sets of pole pieces, said first and second sets in magnetic contact with and extending between said first and second pair of pole =faces, respectively, of the permanent magnet structure, the two sets being in magnetic contact with unlike pole faces for forming a time-constant spatially-alternating magnetic field along the path of electron flow.

7. In an electron beam system, means forming an electron beam, a permanent magnet structure comprising a plurality of bar magnets longitudinally disposed along the path of electron fiow with their magnetic axis transverse to said path, alternate magnets having like pole faces proximate the path of flow, adjacent magnets having unlike pole faces proximate the path of fiow, a succession of transversely extending pole pieces spaced apart along the path of flow forming first and second interleaved sets of pole pieces, the first set in magnetic contact withthe pole faces of alternate magnets of north polarity and the second set in magnetic contact with the pole faces of a different group of alternate magnets of south polarity for maintaining successive pole pieces oppositely poled, and flux guiding means surrounding the path of flow in magnetic contact with and extending between successive pole pieces.

8. In an electron discharge tube, an electron source and target within said tube defining a path of electron flow, a quadrupole magnet structure comprising four permanent magnets, said magnets disposed around and extending along the path of flow and having the magnetic axis of each transverse to the path of flow, alternate magnets having like pole faces proximate the path of flow and adjacent magnets having unlike pole faces proximate the path of flow, a succession of laterally extending pole pieces disposed along and apertured for the path of electron flow and forming two interleaved sets of pole pieces, each set in magnetic contact with and extending between a different pair of like pole faces of alternate magnets wherebysuccessive pole pieces are oppositely poled.

9. In an electron discharge tube, an electronsource and target within said tube defining a path of electron flow, a quadrupole magnet structure comprising four permanent magnets, said magnets disposed around and extending along the path of flow and having the magnetic axis of'each transverse to the path of flow, alternate magnets having like pole faces proximate the path of flow and adjacent magnets having unlike pole faces proximate the path of flow, a succession of laterallyfextending pole pieces disposed along and apertured' for the path of electron flow and forming two interleaved sets of pole pieces, each set in magnetic contact with and extending between a different pair of like pole faces of alternate magnets whereby successive pole pieces are oppositely poled, and flux guiding means surrounding the electron stream in magnetic contact with and extending between successive pole pieces 'for aligning the flow in the gaps between'adjacent pole pieces.

10. In an electron beam system, means forming'an electron stream, a permanent magnet structure having at least two unlike pole faces extending longitudinally along and proximate to the path of electron flow, a first set of longitudinally spaced pole pieces laterally extending from one of said pole faces and a second set of longitudinally spaced pole pieces laterally extending from a different one of said pole faces of unlike polarity, said first and second sets of pole pieces apertured' for passage of said electron stream and interleaved for forming a time-constant spatially-alternating magnetic field along the path of electron fiow.

11. In an electron beam system, means forming an electron stream, a permanent magnet structure having at least two unlike pole faces extending longitudinally along and proximate to the path of electron fiow, and a succession of pole pieces spaced apart along and surrounding the path of flow forming two interleaved sets of pole pieces the two sets in magnetic contact with unlike pole faces of the permanent magnet structure whereby successive pole pieces are oppositely poled, flux guiding means extending between adjacent pole pieces and enclosing the path of flow for aligning the magnetic flux along portions of the path of flow between adjacent pole pieces.

12. In combination a traveling wave tube comprising means formingan electron stream, an interaction circuitfor propagating magnetic waves in coupling relation with the electron stream, and a magnetic focusing system for keeping the electron stream aligned with the interaction circuit in its travel therepast comprising a quadrually disposed pole pieces spaced apart along the path of flow forming first and second interleaved sets of pole pieces, said first and second sets in magnetic contact with and extending between the first and second pair of pole faces, respectively, of the quadrupole magnet structure and flux guiding means surrounding the path of flow in magnetic contact with and extending between successive pole pieces for aligning the flux in the gap between pole pieces.

13. In combination, a traveling wave tube comprising means forming an electron stream, an interaction circuit for propagating electromagnetic waves in coupling relation with the electron stream, and a focusing system for keeping the electron stream in alignment with the interaction circuit in its travel therepast comprising a permanent magnet structure extending along the path of flow having a magnetic axis transverse to the path of flow and a pair of longitudinally extending unlike pole faces adjacent said path of flow, one of said pole pieces being of north polarity and the other of south polarity, a succession of laterally disposed pole pieces, each apertured for passage of the electron stream and spaced apart along the path of flow for forming two interleaved sets of pole pieces, one of said sets being in magnetic contact with the north pole face of the permanent magnet structure and the other set in magnetic contact with the south pole face of said structure, for forming a time-constant spatially-alternating magnetic field along the path of electron flow, and flux guiding means surrounding the electron stream in magnetic contact with and extending between successive pole pieces for aligning the flux in the gap between adjacent pole pieces.

14. In combination, a traveling wave tube comprising means forming an electron stream, an interaction circuit for propagating electromagnetic waves in coupling relation with the electron stream, and a focusing system for keeping the electron stream in alignment with the interaction circuit in its travel therepast comprising a permanent magnet structure extending along the path of flow having a magnetic axis transverse to the path of flow and a pair of longitudinally extending unlike pole faces adjacent said path of flow, one of said pole pieces being of north polarity and the other of south polarity, and a succession of laterally disposed pole pieces, each apertured for passage of the electron stream and spaced apart along'the path of flow for forming two interleaved sets of pole pieces, one of said sets being in magnetic contact with the north pole face of the permanent magnet structure and the other set in magnetic contact with the south pole face of said structure, for forming a time-constant spatially-alternating magnetic field along the path of electron flow.

15. In an electron discharge device, an electron source and target spaced apart for defining therebetween a path of electron flow, first magnetic means for forming a unidirectional and substantially parallel magnetic field extending along an initial portion of the path of flow, and second magnetic means for forming a'spatially alternating magnetic field along a major portion'of the remainder of the path of flow,'the spatially alternating field comprising a succession of regions of longitudinal magnetic field wherein the direction of the magnetic field reverses in successive regions, and the magnitude of the magnetic pole magnetic circuit disposed around and extending along the path of flow and having first and second pairs of pole faces extending longitudinally along and adjacent the path of flow, the first pair being of north polarity and second pair being of south polarity, a succession of laterfield in theinitial unidirectional field'region being substantially equal to the root mean square of the field strength along the-spatially alternating field.

16. In anelectron discharge device, an electron source and target spaced apart for defining therebetween a path of electron fiow; first magnetic means for forming a unidirectional and substantially parallel magnetic field along the initial portion of the path of flow adjacent the electron source; second magneticmeans for forming a spatially alternating field along the major portion of the remainder of the path of flow following the initial unidirectional field region, said spatially alternating field comprising a succession of regions of longitudinally magnetic field wherein the direction of the magnetic field reverses in successive regions; and third magnetic means for forming a transition region between the initial region and the spatially alternating field, wherein the strength of the magnetic field increases from that of the initial field region to a peak value substantially equal to the peak value of the spatially alternating field.

17. In an electron discharge device, an electron source and target spaced apart for defining therebetween a path of electron flow, first magnetic means for forming a unidirectional and substantially parallel magnetic field along an initial portion of the path of flow adjacent the electron source, and second magnetic means for forming a spatially alternating magnetic field along a major portion of the remainder of the path of flow, said second magnetic means comprising a permanent magnet structure extending along the path of flow having a magnetic axis transverse to the path of flow and a pair of longitudinally extending unlike pole pieces adjacent the path of flow, and a plurality of longitudinally spaced pole pieces extending transversely and forming two interleaved sets bf pole pieces, each set in magnetic contact with and ex- 10 tending from one of said unlike pole pieces of magnetic structure whereby said successive pole pieces are oppositely poled and the spatially alternating field comprises a succession of regions of longitudinal magnetic field wherein the direction of the magnetic field reverses in successive regions, the axial length of the initial unidirectional field region being substantially longer than the axial length occupied by a field region of said succession.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,200,039

OTHER REFERENCES Article by E. D. Courant et al., pages 1190-1196, Physical Review for December 1952. 

